Process for destructive distillation of hydrocarbons



Oct. 25,1927; I ,6 7,0 6

' C- W. TURNER PROCESS FOR DESTRUCTIVE DISTILLATION 0F HYDROCARBONS X) Fi ed July 25, 1923 I5 sheets sheet 1 N if VAPOR/25R VAPOR HEATER CHQELESWZZ/HVEI? A TTORNEYS C. W. TURNER PROCESS FOR DESTRUCTIVE DISTILLATION 0F HYDROCARBONS Oct. 25 1927. 1,647,026

Filed July 25, 1923 J5 Sheets-SheetZ JEMRATORS WITNESSES INl/E N TOP WGHHELES WTUENER ATTORNEYS Oct. 25, 1927. 1,647,026

C. W. TURNER PROCESS FOR DESTRUCTIVE DISTILLATION Of HYDROCARBONS Filed July g5, 1925 s Sheets-Sheet a" w Ill/VENTOR 01.56.421.219 2' zmvfle A TTORNEYS WITNESSES Patented I (lot. 25,. 31927;

unrrs CHARLES WORTH TURNER, OF NEW YQltK, 1%". Y.

ZROCESS EUR DESTRUCTIVE DISTILLATION 01E HYDROCARBONS.

Application filed July 25,

This invention relates to a process for the distillation of hydrocarbon formations tor obtaining products having various grav ties.

The principal object of the invention is to a provide an improved process tor econom cally and rapidly distilling hydrocarbon. formations, such as petroleum, shale, peat, coal and the like wherein the distillation is a continuous operation. I

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved process whereby rapid distillation of hydrocarbon formations may take place in such a manner as to split or crack the heavier hydrocarbons to a maxi- 15 mum extent for forming lighter distillate liquid products, such as, benzine, naphtha and gasoline.

An additional object is to provide a process whereby hydrocarbon formations may be ac distilled in a continuous operation wherein all or substantially all of the hydrocarbon formations are formed into a vapor at a high temperature in order to produce a maximum cracking or splittin of the heavier hydrocarbons and then condensing the vapor in a series of condensing devices so that the heavier liquids will be first recovered and then the lighter.

in the accompanying drawings Figure 1 is a schematic view, partly in perspective. showing a preliminary heating apparatus embodying certain features of the invention.

Figure 1 is a schematic view showing a second heating lapparatus and certain coacting precipitating tanks embodying certain "features of the invention.

Figure 2 is a side view, with certain parts shown in section, illustrating a complete apparatus disclosing an embodiment of the invention.

1n the accompanying drawings, an apparatus has been shown which will illustrate the invention but to which the invention is not necessarily limited. In the drawings, means have been shown for supplying hydrocarbon oil to be distilled but it is to be understood that any other material or formation containing hydrocarbons may be also distilled. ll here peat, shale or the like is to be distilled, the same may be injected or fed into the first heating tank in any suitable manner, as for instance, intermittently through a suitable guiding pipe at the top of the apparatus.

1923. Serial No. 653,722.

Referring to the accompanying drawings by numeral, 11 and 12 indicate preliminary heating tanks or reservoirs, said tanks or reservoirs being arranged in a suitable housing 13 of fireproof material. T his housing is preferably entirely closed except for a small opening at the bottom for the reception of a burner and pipes associated therewith and also for the reception of a ventilating pipe 1 1 provided with a suitable damper 15. The tanks or reservoirs 11 and 12 may be of any desired size and may be supplied with water from a water supply tank 16 and with oil from either of the tanks 17 and 18. In

case peat, shale or other hydrocarbon :tormations are to be distilled, the connections to the tanks 17 and 18 are closed and these different materials are fed into the tank 11 through an inlet pipe 19 which may be intermittently supplied with material in any desired way, as-for instance, through the hopper 20. A valve 21 is used to close the upper end of pipe 19 while hopper 20 is bein filled. The hopper .20 is provided with a su stantially gas-tight top or lid 22 hinged or otherwise mounted in place. This top is substantially gas-tight when closed whereby when the valve 21 is opened, the shale or other material will drop directly through the pipe 19 into tank 11 and then valve 21 may be closed The distillate from this matter passes upwardly and out through. the pipe 23, which pipe discharges into the bottom of tank 12. The residue or refuse from the shale or other material may be discharged out through the pipe 21 from time to time by opening the valve A pipe 26 of any desired size is connected to pipe 24 through valve 25 whereb the residue may be directed to any suitable discharge point. The tank 12 is also provided with a discharge pipe 24:" and a controlling valve 25 whereby tar, asphalturn or other heavy hydrocarbon matter may be discharged out through the pipe 26. However, there is comparatively little asphaltum. or other heavy hydrocarbon materials permitted to accumulate in the'bottom of the tanks 11 and 12 by reason of the circulation of a given quantity of steam which causes a more or less mechanical suspension and, con sequently, will permit all of the hydrocarbone to be more orless vaporized and discharged into the tank 71. The water tank 16 is connected to any suitable source of water is ed into a set of heating coils 28 which are preferably arranged at the top of the furnace whereby the steam will become superheated before it is led through pipe 29,

valve 30 and pipe 31 to the bottom of tank 11.

The pipe 32 leadsthe water from tank 16 to the coils 28 and said pipe is provided with hand operated valves 33 and 34 with (1; check valve 35 arranged therebetween. Also a test pipe 36 is arranged between valves 33 and 34 and also between check valve 35, said test valve having a valve 37 arranged therein. In operating the valves, it is desired to inject a certain volume or quantity of water per minute and also a certain volume or quantity of hydrocarbon oil or other hydrocarbon formations.

In order to test the apparatus to find out if a proper quantity of water isbeing injected, valve 33 is closed and valve 371 is opened wide. Valve 34 is then adjusted until the desired amount of water per minute is discharged out of pipe 36. Valve 33 is then opened and valve 37 closed. In this "when they pressure is at one hundred pounds to the square inch. If the pressure is raised or lowered and the same amount of water is desired per minute as before, a new adjustment of the valves must be made. The oil tanks 17 and 18 are filled with oil from any suitable supply and in any suitable manner, said oil being led through an inlet pipe 38 to the pipe 39 which is connected to. the bottom of tank 17 for instance. A valve 40 is interposed in pipe 38 and also a valve 41 is interposed in pipe 42 connected to pipe 39. A third valve 43 is interposed in pipe 44 connected to pipe 39. If the tank 17 is empty and it is desired to fill the same with oil, valve 45 is opened while valves 41 and 43 are closed. The valve 40 is then opened so that the supply of oilirom any suitable source may flow into the tank 17- until the tank is filled whereupon valve'40 is closed and also valve 45. Valve 43 is then opened so that water under the desired pressure is admitted which would be one hundred pounds to the square inch if the water in tank 16 was one hundred pounds to the square inch. VVhen the tank 17 be-v comes empty, a second time, valve 46 is closed while valve 45 is opened and valve 43 is also closed. Valve 41 is opened and left open until the water in tank 17 has flowed out and then this valve is closed and the valve 40 is opened and left open until the tank has been again filled with oil. In this way the tank may be filled with oil from time to time and then water pressure mamas turned on to provide the desired pressure for forcing the oil through the various distilling devices hereinafter fully described.

The tank 13 is provided with oil and pressure in the same manner as tank 17 and will, therefore, need no additional description. The tanks 17 and 18 are connected through pipes 47 and 48 to the pipe 49, valves 46 and 46 being interposed in these pipes whereby either of the tanks 17 and 18 may be turned oil at any time and thereby oil fed from either tank. The gages 50 and 51'are arranged so that the operator may readily see at any time whether or not the pressure in tank 16 is the same as the pressure in pipe 49. The pipe 49 extends to pipe 31 into which it discharges but intermediate its length there is arranged hand operated valves 52 and 53 with a check valve 54 arranged therebetween, which check valve permits the passage of oil to pipe 31 but prevents any return. A test and drain pipe 55 is connected to pipe 49 between the valve 56 arranged therein whereby upon the closing of valve 52 and the opening of valves 53 and 56, the operator may determine exactly how much oil is passing per minute. By opening or closing the valve 53 according to circumstances, the desired volume of oil may be passed per minute to agree with the amount oi water fed per minute. After the test has'been made, valve 52 is opened and valve 56 closed. It will be noted that the oil is forced into the pipe 31 at substantially atmospheric temperature while the water is converted into steam in the coils 28 and is mixed in pipe 31 with the oil' so that the oil is somewhat heated. by the time it reaches the lower part of the tank 11. This mixture is principally a mechanical mixture and, consequently, the

oil is mechanically carried upwardly and is heated as it moves upwardly. In fact, the steam and oil enters at such a speed as to produce a circulating effect so that all parts of the oil and water are in motion, and consequently, there will be but little residue deposited in the bottom of the tank 1] where ordinary petroleum is umd.

In order that the tanks 11 and 12 may be properly heated, a suitable burner 57 is used, said burner being of any desired type, as for instance, a burner of the'type shown ,in myPatent No. 1,586,054, issued May 25, 1926.

The vapor produced by the steam or water and oil leaves the tank 12 through pipe 58 at a comparatively high temperature and carries with it a large percentage of the heavier hydrocarbons including a certain amount of asphaltum or tarry substance. The pipe 58 at its lower end discharges into the lower part of the tank 59, which tank,

. to permit the fireproof material and which is closed at the top except for a vent pipe, 62 which is pro-' vided with a damper 63. A check valve 64 is arranged in pipe 58 so as to prevent any back pressure. An auxiliary pipe 58 is provided and is connected to a suitable drain pipe 65. A valve 66 is arranged in pipe 58 so that any condensations or deposits in the pipe 58 or '58 may be drawn off from time to time and thereby keep the pipe 58 clear for the passageof the vapors from tank 12 to tank 59. The burner 57 which is preferably similar to burner 57, is designed to maintain a higher temperature in tanks 59 and than in tanks 11 and 12, said temperature being usually approximately twice as high, though this is not always necessary. Desirable results have been secured by causing the temperature in tank 59 to range from 800 to 1600 F. While the temperature of the vapor discharged in tank 60 usually ranges from 1200 to 2000 F. It will be, of course, evident that these temperatures may be varied Widely but the higher temperature is usually preferable in order to secure a mechanical cracking oper- 'ation.

The tanks 59 and 60 are provided with pipes 67 and 68 at the bottom to drain ofi' any asphaltum or tarry matterdeposited in the bottom of the tanks. Suitable valves 69 and 70 are arranged in these pipes in order liquid to be drawn off from time to time. Tt will be noted thatthe oils from the hydrocarbon formations are rather quickly heated in tank 11, then raised to a higher temperature in tank 12 and finally in tanks 59 and 60 raised to a very high te1n perature, preferably near the point where fixed gas is produced. It will also be noted that in each of the tanks an appreciable pressure is maintained preferably, which pressure may widely vary, as for instance, from a few pounds up-to any desired pressure within the ability of the tanks to withstand. Also the temperatures in the various tanks may be varied widely or from a comparatively low temperature, as for instance, 300 F. up ,to around 3000 F. in the last tank. If the pressure in tanks 16, 17 and 18 is maintained at one hundred pounds, the pressure of the vapor as it leaves-the upper end of tank 60 will be about one hundred pounds and the temperature any desired number of degrees, though approximately 2000 F. has been found to produce usually the best results as it causes a maximum breaking up of the heavier hydrocarbons. This oil-steam vapor is discharged into a. tank 71 a short distance above the bottom and allowed to expand and cool somewhat in this tank. This will cause the heavier oil or grease to be deposited on the side walls and bottom of the tank so that its heavier oil or grease will gradually accumulate atthe bottom as the apparatus operates and this heavy oil may be drawn out from the bottom from time to time through the pipe 72. A valve 7 3 acts to control the drawing off operation. As this oil is very hot it is preferably passed through a coil 74 submerged in water in the tank 75, said coil discharging the cooled oil or grease into a suitably arranged receptacle. The products deposited in tank 71 form the heaviest oil produced by the apparatus.

From the tank 71 the vapor is discharged successively into the tanks 76, 77 and 78, said discharge taking place a short distance above the bottom. Each of these tanks may be provided with a cooling coil 79 arranged in the tank 7 5 for cooling the oil drawn from these tanks. As the vapor passes from tank to tankit becomes cooler and cooler and is reducedsomewhat in pressure. It will be noted that the heaviest grease or oil is deposited in tank 71, the next heaviest in tank 76 and so on to tank 78 which is the lightest oil up to this point, said oil being of the.

kind commonly known as light turbine oil. The vapor leaves the tank 78 usually at a temperature of about 900 F. in case the vapor is leaving tank 60 at 2000 F. The

pressure isalso' less than onehundred pounds if the pressure in tank 60 is approximately one hundred pounds. The tank 7 8 discharges through pipe 80 into the tank 81 near the bottom. The tank 81 is maintained approximately half full of water by a water feed pipe 82. It will thusbe seen that the vapor Will discharge directly into the water near the bottom and must pass up through the Water before it can expand in the upper part of the tank and also before it can pass outthrough the pipe 83 to the next tank 84. A pipe 85 extends from the center of tank 81 to a suitable discharge point, said pipe being provided with a controlling valve 86 whereby matter may be drawn off from the center of the tank 81 from time to time. As the vapor passes through the water and expands in the upper part of tank 81,-it loses part of'its heat and also all earthy matter as well as certain of the more solid hydrocarbons. By reason of the water removing these different substances from the vapor, there will accumulate a layer of matter on top of the water which is drawn off from time to time through pipe 85. This matter is a mixture of certain of the hydrocarbons and has the characteristic of dissolving carbon deposited on any article, as for instance,

' on a spark plug of an internal combustion pipes having cooling coils arranged in tank 75, said coils having pipes leading therefrom so as to discharge their various distillates at convenient points. The various distillates in tanks 84: and 87 to 98 inclusive, will, be

clear by reason of the fact that the water in tank 81 removes any so-called tree carbon or solid carbons as well as all kinds of foreign matter that may be carried along with the vapor. Without the use of water in tank 81, these various foreign matters, including small solid particles of carbon would be deposited in the various tanks 84cv and 87 to 98 inclusive, and discolor somewhat the dis-' tillation so that it would have a more or less blue appearance. The degree of blueness' would indicate the degree of impurities or hydrocarbons in the various distll lates which would not function as the remaining parts of the distillates, as for instance in the gasoline, the particles causing the same to appear blue would not burn when the gasoline was 59 and 60 are of a size shown in proportion to these tanks. In case the tanks 11 and arness 12, 59 and 60 were larger or a reater volume per minute of oil was injecte into tank 11, the separating'and condensing tanks would haveto be more numerous or larger in order to properly take care of the vapor forced therein. By raising the hydrocarbons to a high temperature quickly in the presence of steam in tanks 11 and 12, the heavier hydrocarbons are acted upon by the higher temperatures for splitting up or cracking the same to a greater extent than if the preliminary heating was more gradual. In this manner, a greater yield of the lighter hydro carbon oils, such as, naphtha and gasollne is secured from crude petroleum, shale, peat or other hydrocarbon formations. Paratfine, naphthalene and tarry matter Will be principally separated in the tanks 59 and 60, the heavier being deposited in the tank 59 and the lighter of these, as for instance, parafire and naphthalene will be deposited in the bottom of tank 60.

What I claim is The herein described process of distilling hydrocarbon oil, consisting in forming a mixture of oil and steam in one of a pair of large vertical containers, heating the mixture, causing the same to flow in a restricted stream to the bottom of the other container, whereby it is caused to expand and flow rertically to the top of the latter, conducting the heated'vapor in a restricted stream to the bottom of one of another pair of large vertical containers, whereby it IS again caused to eapand and travel in a vertical direction to the top of the same, heating the second pair of containers to a very high temperature, conducting the heated vapor in a restricted stream to the bottom of the other container, whereby it is caused to expand and is heated therein to a temperature of approximately 2000 F. and subsequently fractionating the vapors.

CHARLES NORTH TURNER. 

